Blowing Dust

Dust detection and warning system tracks its first season

Dust detection and warning system tracks its first season

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Dust detection and warning system tracks its first season

Dust detection and warning system tracks its first season

By Kim Larson / ADOT Communications
November 4, 2020

With its first monsoon season under its belt, data shows that ADOT’s innovative dust detection and warning system works as designed.

Monsoon 2020, however, was not the most robust weather event, jokingly dubbed a ‘nonsoon.’

“It was a mixed blessing,” said David Locher, resident engineer for the project. “Less dust storms is obviously a good thing when it comes to driving conditions; however, we didn't have the normal weather events that would have been ideal for data gathering in our first season.”

There was one 20-minute event that provided measurable data. At one point during that storm, visibility dropped to less than 300 feet, triggering the speed limit to drop to 35 mph, which happens incrementally. How did drivers react to the warning system? The loop detectors showed that the average vehicle was driving about 45 mph, a big drop from the normal 75 mph limit.

“We do know that the system is working — it is doing what it’s supposed to,” said Kevin Duby, statewide road weather manager. “Our next step is to take the data we have to evaluate and determine the efficiencies of the system to improve performance.”

Often debilitating, dust storms in the area between Tucson and Phoenix have been a safety concern for several years. A study from 2010 and 2015 detailed how traffic was impacted along that Interstate 10 corridor, showing 83 dust-related crashes with more than half of them occurring within about a half-mile of each other.

The 10-mile area between mileposts 209 and 219 was identified as the focus of safety efforts. In 2016, ADOT, Arizona Department of Public Safety and National Weather Service staff, as well as vendors and contractors, began creating a system to help Arizona drivers be better equipped to deal with dust storms. Nothing of this nature existed so it was a momentous undertaking and would require substantial funding. A Federal Highway Administration grant was secured to help fund the $72 million project, which also included widening I-10 and improvements to the State Route 87 traffic interchange.

The dust-detection technology employed includes overhead message boards, variable speed limit signs, closed-circuit cameras and short-range detectors for blowing dust. In addition, a long-range weather X-Band radar dish is part of the system, sitting atop a 22-foot-tall pole at the SR 87 interchange that can detect storms more than 40 miles away. X-Band is frequency range from 8 to 12 gigahertz, which is most often used for civil, military and government radar applications such as weather monitoring, air traffic control, maritime vessel traffic control, defense tracking and vehicle speed detection for law enforcement. Its lower frequencies make this band suitable for the harshest weather conditions, providing exceptionally high link availability for weather-monitoring radar solutions.

Despite the literally dry run this year, the first-of-its-kind dust-detection and warning system has already received some impressive kudos. It received regional recognition in the 2020 America’s Transportation Awards contest in the Operational Excellence category. Sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and AAA. The National Weather Service (NWS) also named ADOT as a 2020 Weather Ready Nation Ambassador of Excellence, for upholding the shared mission of protecting life and property through proactive public outreach and hazard mitigation efforts, and specificially cited the dust detection system.

This perfect storm of technology was assembled for this project, and its impact will be measured more in depth as time goes on.

QUIZ: Are you prepared for dust storms?

QUIZ: Are you prepared for dust storms?

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QUIZ: Are you prepared for dust storms?

QUIZ: Are you prepared for dust storms?

By David Rookhuyzen / ADOT Communications
June 19, 2020

You are driving down the highway when, straight ahead, you see a wall of swirling dust in front of you. It's a dust storm on the move, and it's crossing the highway. What do you do?

Planning for changing weather conditions is a must for all drivers. We talk a lot about how you should "Know Snow," but making the right choices when encountering a dust storm is equally important. That's why we put together this quiz to see if you know how to keep yourself safe. Whether you are learning for the first time or just need a refresher, test your knowledge of dust storm safety tips in the quiz below!

You can also find more information at FocusOnDriving.com and PullAsideStayAlive.org.

New for Monsoon 2020: When dust kicks up, speed limit goes down

New for Monsoon 2020: When dust kicks up, speed limit goes down

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New for Monsoon 2020: When dust kicks up, speed limit goes down

New for Monsoon 2020: When dust kicks up, speed limit goes down

By Garin Groff / ADOT Communications
June 18, 2020

We all know what to expect when the monsoon whips up dust storms that race across the desert between Tucson and Phoenix: strong winds, limited visibility and hazardous driving conditions.

But drivers on that stretch of Interstate 10 should expect something very different this summer when storms hit: reduced speed limits, speed feedback signs and new overhead boards that display urgent safety messages.

These features are now working together as part of ADOT’s dust detection and warning system, which became operational just in time for the 2020 monsoon season that officially began June 15. This video shows you how this first-of-its-kind system works on a 10-mile segment of I-10 between Eloy and Picacho Peak, along with what drivers will see when dust storms automatically activate the system.

This system was developed by ADOT to improve safety during dust storms. But it only works if drivers heed the warnings. So make sure to pay extra attention to the safety messages on overhead signs and to obey the reduced speed limits, which are enforceable. Speed limits can drop to as low as 35 miles per hour, depending on real-time conditions in the area.

You can read more about the dust detection and warning system on our website.

Please remember that this technology is no substitute for common sense. Wherever you are traveling, be sure you've reviewed our dust storm safety tips at PullAsideStayAlive.org

Driving Safety Home: Agency has long history of dust storm safety efforts

Driving Safety Home: Agency has long history of dust storm safety efforts

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Driving Safety Home: Agency has long history of dust storm safety efforts

Driving Safety Home: Agency has long history of dust storm safety efforts

By Dallas Hammit / ADOT State Engineer
July 8, 2019

Over the decades, technology sure has changed but the weather-related issues facing Arizona drivers haven’t.

Back in 1973, the Arizona Highway Department launched a dust warning system that included 40 changeable message signs along 81 miles of Interstates 8 and 10 near Casa Grande. The signs were designed to display two different messages warning drivers of wind or dust. According to agency bulletins from that time, the messages were changed by DPS dispatchers in Phoenix using radio signals. Later, in 1976, ADOT modified the signs to refer motorists to specific AM radio stations for current advisories.

Today, we’re working on a dust detection and warning system on I-10 near the community of Picacho that will alert drivers to dangerous conditions. It is a little more advanced than what we had in the 1970s but the goal of our efforts remains the same – we want motorists to be aware of the situation ahead so they can make good decisions.

The new system will combine a number of technologies that you can read about on the project’s webpage. But no matter what type of warning system is in place, all drivers need to know that the most important thing they can do is to not drive into a dust storm. Visibility can very quickly drop to zero, putting everyone in a dangerous situation.

If you do encounter a dust storm and you don’t have time to exit the highway, remember these tips:

  • Immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
  • Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway – do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
  • Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
  • Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers. You do not want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide, possibly crashing into your parked vehicle.
  • Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
  • Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

Find more information online at pullasidestayalive.org and focusondriving.com/dust-storms.

After you “Pull Aside, Stay Alive,” what comes next?

After you “Pull Aside, Stay Alive,” what comes next?

I-17 101 traffic interchange

After you “Pull Aside, Stay Alive,” what comes next?

After you “Pull Aside, Stay Alive,” what comes next?

June 10, 2018

PHOENIX – You know not to drive into the towering wall of dust. And if a dust channel whips across a highway and engulfs your vehicle, the mantra “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” can lead you to safety.

But even after you’ve pulled aside, one of the most important actions must still be taken – turn off your lights!

Turn off headlights, emergency flashers, dome lights and take your foot off the brake. Stay buckled up, set the parking brake, go dark and wait for the dust storm to pass.

Here’s why: If you become caught in a dust storm and have pulled off the highway, you’re in a dangerous spot – less dangerous than driving blind on the road, though – and want to hide. You can do that by turning off all vehicle lights. If you leave lights on, drivers behind you might believe you’ve found the way out and follow, crashing into your parked car because low-visibility affects depth perception.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has produced 30-second public service announcements – in English and Spanish – on this topic that will air statewide on television and radio throughout monsoon season as part of ADOT’s partnership with the Arizona Broadcasters Association. The PSAs can be viewed on ADOT’s YouTube channel.

As Monsoon Awareness Week begins and we near the official start of monsoon season, ADOT wants to remind drivers of the No. 1 dust-storm driving tip: Do not drive into a dust storm.

“Road trips are a great way to get out and experience all that Arizona has to offer,” Governor Doug Ducey said. “If there’s a dust storm in your path, it’s time to take a break from driving. Make the safe and smart decision to delay your travel plans and wait for the storm to pass.”

Towering, dense, blowing dust can drop visibility to zero. Just as dangerous are the small dust channels that whip across roadways in an instant, affording drivers little or no opportunity to avoid them. In such events, ADOT has developed the following “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” dust storm safety driving tips, which can help travelers survive a storm.

  • Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.
  • If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
  • Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway – do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
  • Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
  • Turn off all vehicle lights. You do not want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide, possibly crashing into your parked vehicle.
  • Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
  • Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
  • Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.

More information on dust storm safety can be found at PullAsideStayAlive.org and safety tips for driving in rainstorms can be found at azdot.gov/monsoon.

Best advice for blowing dust: Pull Aside, Stay Alive

Best advice for blowing dust: Pull Aside, Stay Alive

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Best advice for blowing dust: Pull Aside, Stay Alive

Best advice for blowing dust: Pull Aside, Stay Alive

April 11, 2018

PHOENIX – Drivers across Arizona should be prepared for strong winds, possible blowing dust and an increased fire danger on Thursday, April 12.

The National Weather Service has issued advisories covering the entire state forecasting strong winds and low humidity, conditions that could make driving hazardous in areas prone to blowing dust and for drivers with high-profile vehicles.

Statewide, winds of 25-30 mph are forecast, with gusts likely to reach 40 mph. Winds are expected to increase beginning late Wednesday in western Arizona and reach the center of the state by midday on Thursday. The strongest winds are likely in northwest Arizona, including Kingman and Lake Havasu City. Conditions are expected to return to normal on Friday across the state.

The Arizona Department of Transportation encourages drivers to avoid driving into a through a dust storm. Drivers may want to consider delaying travel until Friday.

Drivers should slow down after checking traffic around their vehicle and completely exit the highway if possible. Additional safety tips from PullAsideStayAlive.org:

  • Pull entirely off the highway if possible.
  • Turn off all vehicle lights, set the parking brake and take your foot off the brake to reduce the likelihood of being hit by following drivers.
  • Remain in your vehicle with your seatbelts buckled.
  • Wait for the storm to pass.

For current road and weather conditions, passengers should check on Twitter with ADOT (@ArizonaDOT) and the National Weather Service (@NWSPhoenix and @NWSTucson).

Smart phones. Smart cars. Coming soon: Smart freeways

Smart phones. Smart cars. Coming soon: Smart freeways

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Smart phones. Smart cars. Coming soon: Smart freeways

Smart phones. Smart cars. Coming soon: Smart freeways

July 25, 2017

By Tom Herrmann / ADOT Communications

When a stretch of I-10 between Eloy and Picacho Peak gets a first-of-its-kind dust detection system in about two years, something else new will arrive with it: variable speed limits.

Where most speed limit signs show a number for the maximum speed, variable speed limit signs have electronic displays that allow traffic engineers to adjust for conditions. They look a bit like scoreboards used at high school sporting events, but without the clock or the visiting team’s score.

The concept isn't new. Variable speed limits appeared on the New Jersey Turnpike in the late 1960s and have been used in several states, often to adjust for weather or traffic conditions. Washington, Tennessee, Wyoming and Georgia are among the states using variable speed limits. In Arizona, Scottsdale has used them along a short section of Camelback Road.

Until now, they haven’t been used on Arizona freeways. That’s about to change.

Drivers have been encouraged to slow down when blowing dust reduces visibility to a dangerous level. In the dust detection zone between Eloy and Picacho Peak, variable speed limit signs will give that safety advice the force of law.

When dust detection equipment senses blowing dust, it will automatically activate the speed limit signs to slow drivers from the current 75 mph down to perhaps 35 mph. It won’t happen all at once: Speed limits will slow 10 mph each 1,000 feet to bring drivers to a safer speed. Traffic operators watching on cameras in Phoenix can return I-10 to normal speeds once the dust has cleared.

ADOT has been working with consultants, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Federal Highway Administration to research, design and build a dust detection system to protect drivers in the area that sees more blowing dust than any other freeway in Arizona.

Construction of the system, along with widening I-10 in much the same area, should begin by the end of the year.

Drivers may encounter blowing dust along I-10 southeast of Phoenix

Drivers may encounter blowing dust along I-10 southeast of Phoenix

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Drivers may encounter blowing dust along I-10 southeast of Phoenix

Drivers may encounter blowing dust along I-10 southeast of Phoenix

January 23, 2017

PHOENIX – Drivers should be prepared for blowing dust and reduced visibility along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The National Weather Service says gusty winds were recorded in the Casa Grande area today and the Department of Public Safety reported areas of blowing dust crossing I-10 southeast of Phoenix.

Dust along portions of I-10 is just one of a number of weather-related issues motorists may encounter across the state due to the third in a series of winter storms in recent days.

Drivers should use caution as additional snow, windy conditions and icy spots on highways can still be expected in the state’s high country.

ADOT will continue to monitor information from the National Weather Service as the latest winter storm impacts travel in many areas.

In some locations, including I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson, winds may continue to kick up dust and limit visibility. When that happens, the Arizona Department of Transportation has some straightforward advice: Pull Aside, Stay Alive.

If a dust storm approaches, try to exit the freeway if you can do so safely. If you’re caught in blowing dust, follow these safety tips from PullAsideStayAlive.org:

  • Immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
  • Don’t wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway.
  • Don’t stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane.
  • Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers. You do not want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide, possibly crashing into your parked vehicle.
  • Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
  • Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

As for travel in areas expecting more snow, winter driving tips are available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

To stay up to date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov, call 511 or follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT).

From the Director: When thunder roars, ADOT rolls

From the Director: When thunder roars, ADOT rolls

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From the Director: When thunder roars, ADOT rolls

From the Director: When thunder roars, ADOT rolls

June 27, 2016

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director

Roadway in a dust storm.

For those of us in Arizona, summertime means much higher temperatures during the day, not-so-cool nights in the desert, and the monsoon that brings memorable lightning shows and dust storms. The weather officials designate monsoon season from mid-June to mid-September. At ADOT, our crews remind everyone of the do’s and don’ts of driving through a dust storm with our "Pull Aside, Stay Alive" education campaign. Your safety is important to us at ADOT, so I encourage you to follow our messages and avoid driving into or through a dust storm.

ADOT is doing more than an education campaign. We are partnering with Arizona State University in having a meteorology graduate student work with our Traffic Operations Center in Phoenix, monitoring weather and providing real-time insight into changing conditions. We can deploy our crews and communicate to the public on pending weather conditions, like dust storms, to make our roads safer for travel, especially during the monsoon. It is a unique partnership I’m proud exists at the agency.

This past month, we witnessed the need to close I-10 in both directions several times near San Simon due to blowing dust from a neighboring farm. Through that effort, we are witnessing enhanced coordination with multiple state agencies. Besides the law enforcement activity associated with closing a major highway during a dust storm, it sometimes requires us to work with other agencies like the Arizona departments of Agriculture or Environmental Quality to assist with dust mitigation efforts. As always, the Arizona Department of Public Safety is a key partner.

For the future, ADOT will work closely with the Arizona Department of Public Safety on implementing variable speed limits when weather conditions like dust storms warrant a reduction in the speed limit for safety.

Drive safely this summer. And wait on washing your vehicle until the monsoon ends!


Director-Halikowski-headshot

 

This post originally appeared on ADOT Director John Halikowski's 
   LinkedIn page. He has led the agency since 2009.

Why you should turn off your vehicle's lights when pulling aside for dust

Why you should turn off your vehicle's lights when pulling aside for dust

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Why you should turn off your vehicle's lights when pulling aside for dust

Why you should turn off your vehicle's lights when pulling aside for dust

June 13, 2016

By Doug Pacey / ADOT Communications

With Monsoon Awareness Week underway, we're highlighting the Arizona Department of Transportation's Pull Aside, Stay Alive campaign emphasizing dust storm safety.

The campaign, which began in 2012, urges motorists to avoid driving into dust storms. If you are caught in low-visibility blowing dust, do the following: pull off the roadway as far as possible, turn off all vehicle lights, set the emergency brake and wait out the storm.

Wait. Turn off all vehicle lights?

Yes, and here’s why: If your car’s lights remain on, any vehicles coming up from behind could use the lights as a beacon, crashing into your car. Remember, you’ve pulled off the roadway to avoid other vehicles. Don’t leave on the lights and increase the possibility of attracting one.

Here’s the full list of “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” dust storm safety tips:

  • Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.
  • If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
  • Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway – do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
  • Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
  • Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers. You do not want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide, possibly crashing into your parked vehicle.
  • Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
  • Stay in the vehicle with your seat belts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
  • Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.